Hastings Museum is 'Good to Go' for reopening

Hastings Museum & Art Gallery will re-open this Thursday (10 December).

The museum which was established over 125 years ago is a family-friendly museum with amazingly diverse collections, offering access to art, culture and history from around the world. The museum is free to visit with free onsite parking.

Visitors still have time to enjoy 'Hastings Open 2020' an exhibition that celebrates the creative talent of artists and makers from across the world, selected by a panel of practising artists and curators, before it closes at the start of January. As well as see old favourites, including Grey Owl's cabin, Lady Brassey's collections and the Story of Hastings Gallery. The museum's shop also has a great selection of?souvenirs, many from local suppliers. Including some locally produced Christmas paper and cards.

To manage the number of people in the museum at any one time, all visitors will need to book a free timed ticket in advance. This can be done online up to 14 days in advance through www.hmag.org.uk. If visitors do not have access to the internet, they can book by phone on 01424 451052. The museum will be open Thursdays to Sundays 10am-12.30pm and 2-5pm. There will be a reduced number of tickets available on Sunday afternoons between 2pm and 5pm, for those who are nervous about visiting or fall into the most vulnerable groups.

Councillor Colin Fitzgerald, lead cabinet member for Regeneration, Culture and Tourism said,

"We are delighted that the lockdown easing means that we can re-open our popular museum again. We have worked really hard to make it as safe as possible for our visitors, there's a great selection of things to buy in our shop also making the museum an ideal location for exploring art and history while also doing some Christmas shopping, for some unique and beautiful gifts and cards."

The museum is a Visit England 'We're Good to Go' accredited venue which means it is a COVID safe attraction. The museum has introduced measures to encourage social distancing and limit the number of people in the building at any time. A one-way route has been introduced to allow people to see explore the fascinating building and collections safely. Hand sanitiser stations throughout the museum, extra cleaning routines are in place, including for the toilets and visitors will be encouraged to maintain social distancing. Reusable and washable facemasks will be available to purchase on entry.

For full details on opening hours and how to book your free tickets go to www.hmag.org.uk.

You can still get involved with their digital activities - from 'Rock around Hastings' to an 'Introduction to Museum Conservation' check out the museum's Facebook page for more information.